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Walking Under Construction Sites Can Be Dangerous for Pedestrians

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Construction accidents are not just limited to construction workers–passersby can also be impacted by poor construction site management. The risk of accident or injury increases drastically whenever the construction site is overhead. If you or someone you know has been injured due to site mismanagement, get in touch with a construction accident attorney at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. for a no obligation case evaluation.

If you are located in Michigan, our law firm provides a variety of services from top personal injury lawyers. We can help you deal with the legalities surrounding pedestrian injury. It is the construction company’s responsibility to mitigate the following kinds of risks and provide safe pathways for people on the ground.

If you are located in Michigan, our law firm provides a variety of services from top personal injury lawyers. We can help you deal with the legalities surrounding pedestrian injury. It is the construction company’s responsibility to mitigate the following kinds of risks and provide safe pathways for people on the ground.

Machinery and People on the Ground

It’s not just the overhead hazards that cause harm or injury. Sometimes, people are so focused on managing overhead risks that safety measures on the ground are neglected.

For example, on the Ohio State University campus, an 18-year-old student was struck by a dump truck exiting a construction site while riding his bike. He lost his right leg to the incident and suffered spinal and pelvic damage. In such a case, it would be beneficial to contact an auto accident attorney at our law firm.

It’s important to remember that companies are responsible for signaling to people on the ground when and where it is safe to walk or bike. This means mitigating hazards both from above and on the ground.

Falling Objects

Objects can fall from above. This is perhaps one of the most obvious reasons overhead construction sites are hazardous. Companies are obligated to mitigate this risk and to provide adequate risk management training to everyone on their jobsite–workers have a right to a safe workplace just as much as pedestrians have a right to safe walkways.

One example of this going wrong comes from London. There, an elderly woman was hospitalized after being hit by fencing which fell from an above building site. She suffered injuries to her shoulder, arm, hip, and legs. Any such injury could merit the help of top personal injury lawyers or a construction accident attorney at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C.

Many things could fall from overhead sites and pose risks to pedestrians, including:

  • Loose fencing or railing
  • Scaffolding
  • Machinery
  • Hand tools
  • Buckets
  • Portable ladders
  • Workers’ personal items

Redirecting Pedestrians

Construction companies should provide pedestrians with safe walking spaces so that they can avoid any overhead risk. These spaces should be clearly marked by adequate signage.

Additionally, pedestrians should be redirected through safe spaces that don’t put them in harm’s way. For instance, if the site closes down a sidewalk, pedestrians should either be redirected to another path, or part of the road should be safely sectioned from traffic in order to avoid any pedestrian risk or injury.

Know Your State’s Laws

It never hurts to know your state’s safety laws. This serves several purposes. First, it means you have the power to call out any unsafe practices or behavior in your area. Second, it means that you are more aware of the risks posed by construction sites. Finally, it puts you one step ahead in the event that you are injured and need the help of a construction accident attorney at our law firm. Furthermore, it’s not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with legal and medical resources offered by our law firm in case you experience an injury.

Safety Regulations in Michigan

LARA, or Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, provides a comprehensive list of construction safety standard resources. These are the standards that construction companies in Michigan are legally required to meet. Knowing your state’s standards is power.

Legal Help

You can contact Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. with questions regarding construction site danger and injury at 866-MICH-LAW and for a free consultation. Our law firm never charges a fee unless a recovery is made.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.

Tim is a writer and editor who earned his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Maryland and calls Washington, D.C., home after spending most of his adult life in the country's capital. Although Tim spent most of his post-college years in the restaurant industry, he became interested in writing about legal matters after he recently moved to Colombia. Today, Tim writes professionally about medical malpractice, drug policies, and workplace injuries. Tim is focused on curating his freelancing career and plans to work remotely for as long he can.

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